Lee Alan Dugatkin

Lee Alan Dugatkin is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Louisville. He is an evolutionary biologist, historian of science, and prolific science writer with over 150 academic publications and sixteen books to his credit. His work spans animal behavior, social network analysis in wildlife, power dynamics in animal societies, domestication experiments, and historical investigations of scientific theories.

• Author of acclaimed books like How to Tame a Fox and Build a Dog, Power in the Wild, and The Well-Connected Animal
• His research connects evolutionary biology with social network theory, examining animal cooperation, dominance hierarchies, and communication systems
• Has lectured at over 175 international venues across 20+ countries

Dugatkin’s recent publications focus on animal social networks and rodent behavioral sinks, blending evolutionary theory with historical analysis. His books have been praised by the New York Times Book Review and Wall Street Journal for making complex science accessible.

Notable former students include:

• Dr. Caroline Driscoll (Bellarmine University)
• Dr. Matthew Hasenjager (postdoctoral fellow)
• Dr. Ryan Earley (University of Alabama)
• Dr. Amy Cavanaugh (Truckee Meadows College)
• Dr. Trish Adams (California State University, Monterey)
• Dr. Michael Alfieri (Viterbo University)

Dugatkin’s work has revolutionized understanding of animal social complexity, demonstrating that species from guppies to elephants exhibit intricate networks essential for survival. His research bridges evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, and historical science analysis.